Origin
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens, commonly known as the climbing black-eyed Susan, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, particularly in West Africa and Madagascar.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the climbing black-eyed Susan, creeping Susan, or climbing Senna.
Uses
Although it is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage, parts of this plant have been used for medicinal purposes. The leaves of this plant are used to treat various ailments, including fever, intestinal worms, and blisters. The plant has also been used to treat skin eruptions, as well as to cure snakebites.
General Appearance
Melanthera scandens is a climbing plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The stems are woody and have small thorns on them. The leaves of the plant are ovate or lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 20 cm long. The flowers are yellow or orange-yellow in color and are approximately 2–3 cm in diameter. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Light Requirements
Melanthera scandens requires moderate to high amounts of light to grow. This plant thrives in full sun exposure, but can tolerate some shade. In areas with hot and dry climates, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunscald.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Melanthera scandens is between 18 to 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause leaf damage, while temperatures above 35°C can lead to wilting and dehydration. This plant can tolerate mild frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be lethal.
Soil Requirements
Melanthera scandens grows best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. This plant is drought-tolerant, but it prefers evenly moist soil. To improve soil fertility, it is recommended to add compost or aged manure to the planting area. Excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid overwatering.
Cultivation Methods
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens is an easy and low-maintenance plant to grow. You can cultivate this plant indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate and your preferences. However, it prefers well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
To propagate this plant, you can use either seed or stem cuttings. Sow the seeds in the soil or grow them in pots, and keep them moist. For stem cuttings, clip a small section from the mother plant, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the stem in soil.
Watering Needs
Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens doesn't require frequent watering, but you should always keep the soil moist. Water the plant thoroughly once every week or two, depending on the weather and the moisture level of the soil. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can cause root rotting.
Fertilization
While Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens doesn't require regular fertilization, it can benefit from occasional feeding. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. However, be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as it can harm its growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessity for Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens. However, you can remove the dead or yellowing leaves to enhance the plant's looks and encourage new growth. You can also trim the plant's stem to control its size or shape. Pruning is best done in spring or early summer.
Propagation of Melanthera scandens (Schumach. & Thonn.) Roberty subsp. scandens
Melanthera scandens is a hardy perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods. In general, the best time for propagating the plant is in spring or early summer, when new growth is just beginning.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Melanthera scandens can be collected from the plant when they are mature and then sown directly into soil. The seeds should be planted to a depth of about 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take anywhere from one to three weeks.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Melanthera scandens is to divide the plant when it is mature. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is just starting to grow. The plant should be dug up and carefully divided into two or three sections, making sure that each section has both roots and leaves. The divisions can then be replanted in new soil in a sunny location.
Cutting Propagation
Finally, Melanthera scandens can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer, and should be about four inches long. Cut off the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a partially shaded location until the cuttings have rooted.
Disease Management for Melanthera scandens
Melanthera scandens is known to be susceptible to a number of diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. Some common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal growth that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It's often caused by high humidity and can be managed by keeping the area around the plant clean and dry, improving air circulation, and spraying with a fungicide if needed.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal infection that attacks the plant roots, causing them to become soft and discoloured. It's often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil and can be managed by improving drainage, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and using a fungicide if necessary.
- Bacterial Blight: This is a bacterial infection that causes wilting and blackening of the leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management for Melanthera scandens
There are several pests that can attack Melanthera scandens, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny mites feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing leaves and stippling. They can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant, removing infested leaves, and using insecticidal soap or a miticide.
- Caterpillars: These voracious eaters can quickly strip a plant of its leaves. They can be managed by physically removing them from the plant, or by using a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Regular monitoring and maintenance of the plant can help to prevent and manage both diseases and pests. It's important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris, and to avoid overwatering and crowded conditions. Healthy plants are less likely to be attacked by pests and diseases, so ensure the plant is well-nourished and has proper growing conditions.
